Air Quality Alert issued for parts of the Avalon due to wildfire smoke

Written By Eddie Sheerr

Special Air Quality Statement Issued for Parts of the Avalon Peninsula

Affected Areas:

  • Avalon Peninsula North (021100)

  • St. John's and vicinity (021300)

Issued by Environment Canada

Wildfire smoke is currently reducing air quality across portions of the northern Avalon Peninsula, including areas near Conception Bay North and the Holyrood region. As winds shift, smoke concentrations will vary by location.

Current Wind Forecast:

  • West to southwest at 20 km/h, gusting to 40

  • Becoming northwest 20 km/h by Tuesday morning

  • Shifting to northeast 20 km/h Tuesday afternoon

Health Impacts and Recommendations:
Wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks, particularly for:

  • Seniors (65+)

  • Pregnant individuals

  • Infants and young children

  • People with chronic health conditions

  • Outdoor workers

If you are in a higher-risk group or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or difficulty breathing, reduce time outdoors and seek medical attention if needed. Severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or persistent coughing should be treated as a medical emergency.

Precautions:

  • Limit outdoor activities and strenuous exercise

  • Keep doors and windows closed indoors

  • Use a clean air filter or certified air purifier

  • Wear a properly fitted N95 or equivalent respirator if you must be outside

  • Prioritize cooling if an extreme heat event overlaps with poor air quality

Check in on neighbours and loved ones who may be more vulnerable to air pollution.

For More Information:

Stay up to date by monitoring Environment Canada alerts and local health advisories.

Eddie Sheerr
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Multiple fires cause evacuations on the Avalon today as warm and dry weather fuels the flames
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Evacuation Order issued for Towns of Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove and Kingston Due to Wildfire